The first digitally-signalled high speed services in the country have moved a step closer with Grand Central’s Class 180 fleet receiving the regulatory approval known as APiS* for the ‘first in class’ fitment of the European Train Control System (ETCS).
This paves the way for the fleet of 10 vehicles, retrofitted by Alstom with digital signalling equipment, to operate with its ETCS enabled.
Grand Central – Arriva Group’s open access operator – will see their Angel Trains-owned fleet undergo software updates and then enter into an extended period of 50,000 miles of ‘fault free running’ in December. Alongside this, the company’s train drivers are being trained in using Level National Train Control (L-NTC) mode, for operating ETCS fitted trains over conventionally signalled routes.
The fleet is expected to begin using digital in-cab signalling (ETCS Level 2) on the East Coast Main Line (ECML) between Welwyn and Hitchin by spring 2027.
The introduction of digital signalling through the East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP), will deliver more efficient, more reliable and greener services over the long term. The system also makes the railway even safer as it supervises the train’s speed and can bring it to a stop if needed.
Chris Brandon, director at Grand Central Rail, said: “Getting to this milestone has taken a lot of hard work by colleagues within GC, our train owner Angel Trains and our technology partner Alstom. I would like to congratulate everyone involved. However, there is much work to do before we are ready to begin ETCS enabled services on the mainline and we will continue to focus on achieving this goal.”
Chris Hobden, Network Rail’s programme director, ECDP, commented: “It is a pivotal achievement for us to receive approval for a retrofitted fleet, and I am grateful for the hard work across all partners involved in what has been quite a challenging process.
“Securing this approval supports our progressive roll out of digital signalling on the ECML. The Grand Central 180 fleet will point the way for further major passenger fleets, to begin using digital signalling between Welwyn and Hitchin during 2027.”
The East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP) is a landmark scheme that will introduce digital in-cab signalling on the southern part of the East Coast Main Line. In 2025 it delivered the country’s first ‘no signals’ commuter railway, between Finsbury Park and Moorgate.
Since August 2026, some Great Northern services have begun using digital signalling in the Welwyn to Hitchin area on the East Coast Main Line. More fleets and services are expected to begin using digital signalling during 2027, including the Grand Central Class 180 fleet.
Image credit: Network Rail
